Biochimistry

2. Lipids are defined by their physical behavior rather than their chemical structure.
Lipids are classified according to their ( Solubility).
Lipids are readily soluble in non-polar organic solvents such as diethyl ether, chloroform or benzene but are
insoluble in water.
A major portion of lipids structure is like a hydrocarbon.
This is the reason that lipids are soluble in nonpolar solvents.
Important functions of lipids:-
1- Lipids serve as the main energy reserve for living system.
2- Form parts of cell members.
3- Regulate the activities of cell and tissues.
4- Provide insulation against changes in external temperature (subcutaneous fat)
5- Give shape and contour to the body
6- Help in absorption of fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E & K)
Lipids can be classified according to whether or not they undergo saponification. Lipids that undergo alkaline
hydrolysis are called ( Saponifiable lipids). Lipids that do not undergo such a reaction are called ( non-
saponifiable lipids)

4. Fatty Acids
Fatty acids are biomolecules containing a (Polar) carboxyl functional group connected to unbranched aliphatic
chain( nonpolar(.
Fatty acids are rarely found in a free form in cells and tissues but are most often bound in fats
( Triacyglycerols).
The number of carbon atoms in a fatty acid can range from 4 ( as found in butter) to as many as 36 ( found in
the brain).
Fatty acids whose hydrocarbons chain contains one or more double bonds are called ( unsaturated fatty acids).

5. Palmitic acid ( C16 H32 O2) and Stearic acid ( C18H36O2) are the most common
saturated fatty acids. Oleic acid (C18 H34O2) is the most common unsaturated
fatty acid.
Most of the naturally occurring lipids contain even chain fatty acids while odd
numbered fatty acids are seen in microbial cell walls. Linoleic(Omega 6)and
Linolenic (Omega 3) acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids and they are called
essential fatty acids because they cannot be synthesized by the body and have
to be supplied in the diet.
* Double bonds in naturally occurring fatty acids are almost always of the
Cis configuration.

6. Triacyl glycerols
Almost all fatty acids present in nature are found as constituents of the nonpolar lipids called triacylglycerols.
The basic foundation molecule of the triacylglycerols is the trihydroxyl compound glycerol. Each hydroxyl group can be linked to a
fatty acid by esterification . Thus, triacylglycerols are triesters formed from three fatty acids and glycerol.
Triacylglycerol that are solid at room temp. are called Fats those that are liquid at room temp. are called Oils.
Generally, plant oils contain more unsaturated fatty acids than animal fats.

7. A natural fat or oil is not a pure compound, but a mixture of triacylglycerols. This is because of
the difference in the type of acyl group in the triacylglycerols.
Triacylglycerols undergo the usual reactions of esters.
A particulary important reaction is alkaline or enzyme catalyzed hydrolysis.

8. • Catalytic hydrogenation of the unsaturated acyl groups of the triacylglecrols in vegetable oils converts them to saturated
triacylglycerls. This reaction has been carried out industrially to produce oleomargarine.
Q/ In the industrial process, not all the double bonds are hydrogenated, Why?
The triacylglycerols have two primary biological roles, energy metabolism and insulation.
(Adipocytes) are animal cells specialized for fat storage.
Enzymes called ( Lipases) are present in adipocytes to catalyze the release of fatty acids.
Triacylglycerols are also present below the skin layer of animals especially those living in polar regions, to insulate against
temperature extremes.
The fatty acids, in addition to being found in triacylglycerols are also present in other derivative forms called waxes, which
are nonpolar lipids. Waxes are esters of fatty acids and long chain monohydroxy alcohols. Bees wax is an ester
composed of palmitic acid and the alcohol triacontanol.

9. Po lar Lipids
Class of lipids with chemical structures similar to the triacylglycerols, but quite different in biological function. Polar
lipids are combined with protein molecules for the construction of biological membranes , which provide a protective
shield around cells.
Two classes of lipids, glycerophospholipids & sphingolipids are introduced in polar lipids.
Glycerophospholipids
The foundation molecule for the glcerophospholipids is 1,2-diacylglycerol 3- phosphate

11. The term phosphatidic acid refers to a group of many molecules that differ by the identity of two fatty acids.
•In the glycerophospholipids, a second alcohol is esterified with the phosphate group. That alcohol is usually one of
the following the aminoalcohol; ethanolamine or choline, the amino acids; serine; or the polyhydroxyl compound
inositol.
•With the exception of inositol , all of the alcohols have an amino or other functional group that becomes ionic at
physiological pH.
•The major structured difference between triacylglycerols and glycerophospholipids is:
triacylglycerol s are nonpolar and hydrophobic.
glycerophospholipids are; a polar head and nonpolar tails.
These two characteristics are essential for membrane structure.
Sphingolipids
The foundation molecule is the 18-carbon alcohol sphingosine

12. Sphingosine has two functional groups ( amino & hydroxyl)
•The molecule called ceramide has a polar head ( hydroxyl group on C1of sphingosine ) and two
nonpolar tails.
•The sphingomyeline contain a fatty acid on the amino group and a phosphocholine unit esterified with
hydroxyl group. This results in a molecule with a polar (Ionic) head and two non polar tails similar to
the glycerophospholipids.
•Carbohydrate containing lipids use the ceramide as foundation molecules. The cerebroside consists
of ceramide with a monosaccharide unit in glycosidic linkage at the hydroxyl group at C1.
The carbohydrates commonly found are glucose , galactose and N-acetyl galactosamine.
Function of glycosphingolipids
1- play role in biological membrane structure.
2- Involved in other specialized cellular functions including recognition events at cell surfaces, tissue
specifity of cell association and the transmission of nerve impulses.

13. Steroids
The steroids all have the characteristics fused-ring system of three six-membered rings labeled A,B,C and one five-
membered ring called the D ring.
Ketones, alcohols, double bonds & hydrocarbon chains decorate the ring system in various types of steroids.
Cholesterol, the best known steroids has a hydroxyl group on the A ring, a double bond in
Ring B, and hydrocarbon chains attached at several locations.
•Cholesterol has a polar head ( hydroxyl group) and a nonpolar tail (hydrocarbon Skeleton)
•Cholesterol and some of its derivatives accompany the glycerophospholipids and
sphingolipids in biological membranes.
•Cholesterol and its ester derivatives are abundant in plasma proteins called (Lipoproteins)
whose function is to transport the cholesterol to peripheral tissue or use in construction of
membranes and as a biosynthetic precursor for steroid hormones and other biologically active products

14. Functions of Cholesterol
1-Cell membranes: cholesterol is a component of membranes and has a modulating effect on
the fluid state of the membrane
2-Nerve conduction: cholesterol has an insulating effect on nerve fibers
3-Bile acids and bile salts: are derived from cholesterol. Bile salts are important for fat
absorption
4-Steroid hormones: Glucocorticoids, androgens and estrogens are from cholesterol
5-Vitamin D2: is from 7-dehydro-cholesterol
6-Esterification: the OH group of cholesterol is esterified to fatty acids to form cholesterol esters.
This esterification occurs in the body by transfer of a poly unsaturated fatty acid moity by
Lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase.
Lipoprotein can be classified according to their density to Chylomicrons, Very low density
lipoprotein (VLDL), Low density lipoprotein (LDL) and High density lipoprotein (HDL).

15. Cholesterol is the starting point for biosynthesis of the steroid hormones and bile acids.
Enzyme-catalyzed oxidation reactions on the cholesterol ring system lead to the ( bile acids). Cholate & its glycine
derivative.
•These compounds have acidic functional groups with protons that dissociate at physiological PH to produce ionic
structures called (bile salts).
•The bile salts are stored in the gall bladder and secreted into the intestines to help solubilize , digest, and absorb
dietary fats.

16. Hormones, which act as messengers are produced in one organ or gland and are transported by the blood to a specific
location, where they exert their regulatory functions. They react only with specific receptors target cells or target
tissues.
Two major classes of steroid hormones;-
Adrenocorticol hormones & Sex hormones.
•The cortex of the adrenal glands of mammals produces more than 30 steroid hormones ( adrenocortical hormones)
that are essential to life.
for example, ( Aldosterone) maintains the proper balance of ions ( principally Na+ and K+) in body fluids.
Progesterone and the estrogens are the important sex hormones of females. The most important of the estrogens are
estradiol and estrone.

17. During the last six months of pregnancy, the estrogens and progesterone are produced in large quantities.
The high levels of those hormones insure that no addition eggs are released from the ovaries during pregnancy.
This led to the development of oral contraceptive pills. The idea is to maintain a high enough level of esterogens and
progesterone.
Terpenes
Terpenes contain carbon carbon double bonds and are made up of two or more isoprene units.
They are designated according to the number of isoprene units in the molecule, if no. of isoprene units is 2 called
( Monoterpenes) 4 (Diterpenes), 6 ( Triterpenes), 8 ( Tetraterpenes).
•Important terpenes in plants and animals include Limonene, ß-carotene, gibberellic acid, squalene and lycopene.

18. Fat- soluble Vitamins
This class of vitamins can be classified as terpenes and includes vitamins A, D, E and K.
Vitamin A, or ( retinol) , is a terpenes that also contains a primary hydroxyl group.
-Vitamin A is obtained from cod liver oil or animal liver.
-Breaking the central double bond of β-carotene forms the correct carbon structure for two molecules of vitamin A.
Vitamin Dhave several forms and the most important are vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and Vit D3 ( Cholecalciferol)
* Formed from cholesterol present in the skin by ultraviolet radiation and its function to regulate of calcium and
phosphorus metabolism.

19. Vitamin E, which called also α-Tocopherol is aromatic ring with long hydrocarbon chain. The known biological
function of vitamin E is antioxidant prevents oxidation damage to cellular membranes.
Vitamin K, is a quinone with side chain made up of several isoprene units.
The length of the side chain varies depending on the source of the vitamin.
The biological function of vitamin K is to regulate blood clotting.
Eicosanoids
The eicosanoids are a class of lipids characterized by their hormonlink activity and very low cellular concentration.
Some of the biological properties associated with eicosanoids includes:-
1- Influence on reproductive functions.
2- Regulation of blood clotting and blood pressure.
3- The generation of inflammation, fever and pain associates with injury and disease.
4- Regulation of temperature and the sleep-wake cycle in humans and other animals.
There are Three sub-classes of Eicosanoids: Prostaglandins, Thromboxanes and Leukotrienes.
* All are derived from the 20-carbon poly unsaturated fatty acid arachidonate ( 20: 4∆ 5,8,11,14
) but has a unique
chemical structure.
The prostaglandins , which ere first isolated from the prostate gland, contain a five-membered ring substituted with
two side chains and function groups, including carboxylic acid, hydroxyl groups, ketones carbon-carbon double
bonds.

20. •The compounds PGE2 and PGD2 are concentrated in the preoptic area, the sleep center of the brain.
•Experiments show that PGD2 promotes physiological sleep and PGE2 include wakefulness.

21. The prostaglandins that cause fever, inflammation and pain are diminished in cellular concentration by
aspirin and ibuprofen,. These pain killers inhibit on enzyme prostaglandin synthase, which transforms
arachidonate to the prostaglandin structures.
The Thromboxanes also derived from arachidonate are characterized by six-membered ring containing
oxygen.The Thromboxanes were first isolated from blood platelets ( thrombocytes), where they are thought
to facilitate the formation of blood clots.
Leuktrienes were first extracted from white blood cells ( Leukocytes).
The structured characteristics that separate them from other eicosanoids are the linear chain ( no rings) and
three conjugated double bonds.
The leukotrienes cause the contraction of the smooth muscle especially in the lungs. Asthmatic attacks and
allergic reactions maybe caused by over production of Leukotrienes.

22. Membrane Components and structure
Biomembranes are consist of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates.
•The composition ratio varies depending on the source of the membranes.
•Diversity in membrane composition can lead to unique membrane functions which are necessary for cell
individuality.
•The carbohydrate content is usually 5% or under and is represented in the glycolipids and glycoproteins.
•The basic structural frame work of membranes is provided by a double layer of lipids ( lipids bilayer),
which are held together by noncovalent, hydrophobic interactions in aq. Environment.
Membrane source Lipids Protein
Myelin 80 18
Mouse liver 52 45
Human erythrocyte 43 49
Mitochondria
(outer)
48 52
Mitochondria
(inner)
24 76

23. The bilayer in water was found to fold into a closed spherical vesicle, thus covering the edges of the bilayer and reducing
their exposure to water.
These vesicles display two important features of membranes unique transport properties and fluidity.
•Transport studies of closed spherical vesicles composed of polar lipids show that small, nonpolar molecules, such as
CO2 and hydrocarbons, diffuse through the bilayer, but most polar biomolecules , such as amino acids, sugars, proteins
and nucleic acids are prohibited from transport by simple diffusion. Act as a selective, permeable barrier for transport of
molecules.
•If bio membranes were composed only of lipids , then only very small molecules and nonpolar molecules could be
transported and all cell membranes would have very similar biological properties.
•The dynamic activities of the cell membrane are carried out by ( membrane proteins).
There are two classes of membrane proteins:-
1- Peripheral proteins ( on the surface, polar, very water soluble)
2- Integral proteins ( can be released only y disrupting the lipid bilayer and interfering with the hydrophobic interactions
between protein and lipids).
Peripheral proteins are usually bound to the membrane by non-covalent, ionic, and hydrogen complementary amine
residues in integral proteins that are exposed on the membrane surface.

24. Biological Roles of Membranes
All biological cells surrounded by a boundary layer called a ( Plasma membrane) that consists primarily
of proteins and polar lipids.
•The first role of membranes is they work as protective shields.
•The membrane provides structural integrity to a cell giving it shape.
•The membrane structure is responsible for the organization and compartmentation of biochemical
activates within tissues and cells.
•The membrane must act as a selective filter to allow the entry of nutrients necessary for the cells
growth and development and the exit of metabolic waste products.
•Embedded in the exterior side of plasma membranes are protein receptors that bind such hormones
as adrenaline and insulin, thereby relaying a chemical signal the regulated metabolic processes in the
interior of the cell.
•Some specialized membranes contain protein assemblages that act as ( energy transduction)
systems.
Animals mitochondrial membranes contain enzymes and other proteins that convert energy released by
the oxidation of fats and carbohydrates to the chemical form of ATP.